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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Don't Take the Bait

Ever have a conversation with someone, and you disagree with
them about something. In fact they want to argue with you. The individual is angry, and they want to
take it out on you. They purposefully say things that push your buttons, and
you begin to feel a little annoyed. What do you do? Unless, you really want to
argue, don’t take the bait! Here are a few ways to deal with someone who is
looking for a fight.

1.Recognize what is Going On!

The most important thing you can do is recognize that this
person just wants to argue with you. They want you to get an emotional
response. And they will often stop at nothing in order to get one. I once worked with someone who always seemed
to want to get their way, and he stopped at nothing to get his way. It seemed
like he always picked a fight. There was always an argument. Once you recognize
that this person is picking a fight purposefully, you are well on your way to diffusing
the situation.

2.Be Firm!

At this time it is fine to try to avoid the argument by
changing the subject. But there are those who simply will not have that a fight
is a must. Next it’s okay to say that you will have to agree to disagree. Here
you are simply setting a limit. And you are letting the individual know that
you respect them as a person, but that you no longer want to discuss this.

3.Don’t Take the Bait!

If a person continues pushing, you know the person who at
this point states just for the record. Don’t take the bait! They are pushing
for an emotional response that will probably get you nowhere. At this point
remove yourself from the situation. If they are pushing for a fight eventually,
no matter how much redirection you provide they will not be satisfied unless
they get one. You need to take control,
and get out of that conversation. Allow them to have the last word, and go on
to doing something else.

Follow these steps, and you can avoid an argument that will
get you nowhere!